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CLBR Segment 1: Broadband Deployment and other News Updates

Segment 1: NEWS UPDATE FROM CYBER REPORT

Background

News Update

(1) JOHN DOZIER (1956-2012)

Internet Lawyer and Pioneer, Bull Dog, Virginian . . . However, you knew him, he died much too soon on August 6th. He gave a great deal to the legal profession and was the driving force in launching a Cyber Law Bar which I am fortunate to be part of. John’s death came as a surprise, as he spoke with me about the next Cyber Bar meeting days before his death. John leaves behind two teenage children. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Church, 12445 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23238.

(2) REMEMBERING WORLD WAR 2 VETS

Today is my father’s birthday. He would have been 89.

Of the 16 Million US Veterans of World War II less than 2 Million remain and approximately 40 will die during this broadcast.

At least 100 million U.S. homes should have affordable access to actual download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and actual upload speeds of at least 50 megabits per second by the year 2020.

The United States should lead the world in mobile innovation, with the fastest and most extensive wireless networks of any nation.

Every American should have affordable access to robust broadband service, and the means and skills to subscribe if they so choose.

Every American community should have affordable access to at least 1 gigabit per second broadband service to anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings.

To ensure the safety of the American people, every first responder should have access to a nationwide, wireless, interoperable broadband public safety network.

To ensure that America leads in the clean energy economy, every American should be able to use broadband to track and manage their real-time energy consumption.

FCC RELEASE

Implementation of new FCC reforms vital to connecting millions of Americans to broadband services

Washington, D.C. – The nation has made significant progress expanding high-speed Internet access in recent years, but further implementation of major reforms newly adopted by the Federal Communications Commission is required before broadband will be available to the approximately 19 million Americans who still lack access, according to the FCC’s Eighth Broadband Progress Report, available at

In an era when broadband is essential to innovation, jobs, and global competitiveness, the Report concludes that the FCC – and the nation – must continue to address obstacles impeding universal broadband deployment and availability. Congress in Section 706 the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the FCC to report annually on whether broadband “is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.” The Report chronicles major strides taken by providers and policymakers to accelerate deployment, including:

Billions invested by the communications industry in broadband deployment, including next-generation wired and wireless services

Expansion of networks technically capable of 100 megabit-plus speeds to over 80 percent of the population through cable’s DOCSIS 3.0 rollout

World-leading LTE deployment by mobile operators

Sweeping reforms by the FCC to its universal service programs, including the new Connect America Fund for broadband deployment, Mobility Fund, and the Lifeline program for low-income Americans

Action under the FCC’s Broadband Acceleration Initiative to reduce the cost and time required for deployment

Numerous steps to expand availability of wireless spectrum for broadband

Notwithstanding this progress, the Report finds that approximately 19 million Americans—6 percent of the population—still lack access to fixed broadband service at threshold speeds. In rural areas, nearly one-fourth of the population —14.5 million people—lack access to this service. In tribal areas, nearly one-third of the population lacks access. Even in areas where broadband is available, approximately 100 million Americans still do not subscribe. The report concludes that until the Commission’s Connect America reforms are fully implemented, these gaps are unlikely to close. Because millions still lack access to or have not adopted broadband, the Report concludes broadband is not yet being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion.